If you’ve listened to this week’s Laugh Lines, you know I am entering my Bare Minimum Holiday Era — and honestly, it feels amazing. For years, I’ve crash-landed into Christmas on two wheels, crying on Christmas Eve because I was the project manager of too many magical moments. And who asked me to do that? No one. Literally no one.
I used to believe that doing “less” meant people would think I cared less. But the truth? Doing less means I finally have room to care about the right things. I am shooting for “Medium” this holiday season – keeping the joy, eliminating the stress. (And I give you permission to do the same!)
Bring It Back or Pass
It’s hard to let go of holiday traditions “just because that’s what we always do.” In the show, we played Bring It Back or Pass: Holiday Edition to take a walk down memory lane filled with tinsel, cookie parties, and questionable 1-900 Santa hotlines.
Here’s what made the cut — and what we are politely escorting to the exit:
Bring It Back
Christmas Caroling – It never left in our house. Bundle up, gather your people, sing off-key. It’s wholesome chaos and I love it.
Low-Effort White Elephant Parties – Unwanted gift exchanges? Hilarious. Re-gifting something from the back of your closet? Sustainable. Accidentally discovering three coworkers re-gifted the same item? Iconic.
Holiday Letters (But Make Them Funny) – Photos are great, but I love an old-fashioned newsletter. Penn once wrote ours entirely in movie quotes!
Waiting for Christmas Specials on TV – Yes, everything is streaming now. But imagine the JOY of knowing that Rudolph airs at 7 p.m. on December 23rd and everyone is watching at the same time. I miss that!
The Neighborly Walk-By Gift Drop-Off – Stopping by unannounced? Anxiety. Leaving a treat on the porch with a kind note? DELIGHTFUL.
Hard, Hard Pass
Silver Tinsel Icicles – Sure, they’re nostalgic… but they get absolutely everywhere. We are protecting our vacuum’s mental health this year.
Calling Santa on a 1-900 Number – The biggest scam in holiday history. Also the fastest way to make a parent explain the mysteries of Santa way too soon.
Feeling Obligated to Keep Every Tradition Alive – Just because your family has done something every year since 1974 doesn’t mean you must continue doing it at the cost of your sanity. Break the cycle. Start a new one. Pick the parts that spark joy.
Unannounced Doorbell Ringing – If you did not text me first, you are getting me in a sports bra and panic sweat. Doorstep drop-offs only, friend.
The Presidential Fitness Test – Technically not holiday-related, but our listeners have trauma. It stays in the vault forever. We are passing HARD.
Whether you’re reviving old-school traditions or tossing others out like that tinsel you keep finding in March, the goal is simple: make space for joy. Not perfection. You can listen to the full show by clicking the links below, tell us what you are keeping or getting rid of this holiday season!
